About Us / Our Story Updated

We are Nikki Sue and Tiana. Between the two of us, we have 11 children and 7 grandchildren. Our countless years raising kids and grandkids showed us the importance of having a diaper bag that is suitable for todays’ modern, on-the-go families. Every diaper bag we found on the market fell short: they didn’t stand up to daily use, include basic necessities, function effectively while still being stylish, or fit the lifestyle of all different parents.

Our goal was to design a better, bolder bag. A bag that moms and dads around the world can carry with pride. A bag that is multifunctional, and can withstand multiple children. A bag for every situation, every family, every home. A bag designed with you and your beautiful children in mind. We are so excited to be a part of your family, and for you to be a part of ours!

Nikki Sue

Nikki Sue Larkin grew up in Southeast Idaho. Utah. She comes from a large family of 8 siblings and 44 nieces and nephews She attended Ricks College where she played basketball and received her associates degree in Home Economics Education. She served a religious mission in Korea, then graduated from Brigham Young University with her bachelors degree in Home Economics Education. She taught high school for a number of years and coached the girls varsity basketball team. She enjoyed teaching students about interior design, child development, child care and life skills. She received her masters degree from Utah State University. Nikki Sue enjoys cooking and taught Family Meal Management at BYU.  Nikki Sue is using her Family and Consumer Science skills to help design and create all the fashionable and innovative Sleepy Panda bags.. She and her husband, Bruce formed a blended family and are the parents of six children and reside in Heber City, UT.

Tiana

Tiana was born and raised in sunny Bakersfield, California where she grew up with five sisters and a brother.  She spent much of what she refers to as her “ideal childhood” playing outdoors. Some of her favorite memories include roller skating, eating hand-churned homemade ice cream and playing games of kickball until the streetlights came on. She spent hours gathered around the piano with her loving family preparing songs for church, and community events. She began cheerleading in elementary school and continued doing so through high school where she also participated in choirs and musicals. She met her greatest supporter, Brent, when she was a Senior in high school and married him at age 19 while attending Jr College in Bakersfield. Brent and she were blessed with four fabulous sons in a row-a big change from her life growing up with mostly sisters. Nine years following the birth of their last son, their sweet daughter Lizzie was born. With her four sons married to their wonderful wives, she now basks in the joy of being a grandmother to 7 with 2 more on the way. With all of these darling babies joining the family, their need of fashionable yet sturdy diaper bags grew. Hence, Sleepy Panda was launched! It has been both exciting and gratifying watching their product lines expand knowing they are simplifying life for so many parents. In her spare time, Tiana enjoys playing pickleball with friends, walking her dog, teaching the little children at Church and reading.